Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Arnel G. Talisayon (right) is greeted by Capt. Brent Jackson (left), Commanding Officer of USS Cape St. George (CG-71), upon arriving at the San Francisco Fleet Week Navy Reception. (PCG San Francisco photo)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco attended the diplomatic and military reception to kick-off San Francisco Fleet Week 2026, the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday, and the 250th birthday of the United States on board the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG-71), docked at the Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco on 07 October 2026.
Delivering the event’s keynote address, Hon. Benjamin Kohlmann, U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, underscored the vital role of naval strength in guaranteeing global stability and economic prosperity. Speaking aboard the USS Cape St. George (CG-71), Assistant Secretary Kohlmann emphasized that open sea lanes are essential for international commerce, noting that 25% of global GDP flows through the world’s oceans. He stressed that forward-deployed naval forces and strong multilateral partnerships—such as those between the United States and international allies—remain the foundational bedrock for preserving freedom of navigation and security throughout the Pacific. The reception brought together diplomatic leaders, senior military officials, and civic partners to reaffirm shared commitments to maritime domain awareness, defense cooperation, and regional peace. Representing the Philippines, Consul General Arnel G. Talisayon joined diplomatic counterparts from 14 other nations, including Japan, Korea, Australia and Indonesia, to celebrate maritime partnership, regional security, and international defense cooperation across the Pacific. His participation highlighted the sustained strength of Philippine-U.S. maritime ties and defense engagement.END
U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Hon. Ben Kohlmann addresses members of the diplomatic corps, military leaders, and civic officials at the Fleet Week Navy Reception hosted aboard USS Cape St. George (CG-71) in San Francisco Bay (PCG San Francisco photo)